The Sheikh's Secret Bride (The Adjalane Sheikhs 1)

She wrapped her arms tighter around him. “Please, I need you. I know you’ll take care of me.”

Heat flared bright in his eyes as he bent to kiss her deeply. “Always, kalby. Always.”

He pushed inside her in one long thrust then held still, allowing her body to adjust to the size and length of him. She cried out at the sudden, sharp pain, her breath hitching. She’d known it would hurt, but not this bad. Still, the longer he remained inside her, the ache eased and something new took its place. A pleasant twinge of pleasure that only increased with each of his movements.

“Okay, kalby?” He panted, a small muscle ticking near his tense jaw. He stroked away the tears from her cheeks and moved tentatively inside her.

Janna nodded and wrapped her legs around his hips once more, locking her feet behind his lower back. “More please.”

Nassir grinned, all pure masculine pride and sexy seduction. “Your wish is my command, kalby.”

With each thrust, her passion flared higher and soon they were both teetering on the edge once more. Nassir reached between them and stroked her swollen clitoris once more, pressing gently against it, and that tumbled her into a second orgasm. He soon followed behind her, his body going whipcord tight above

her as he came so hard inside her she felt it.

At last, he slumped atop her, resting his head in the valley between her breasts while she gently stroked his hair. She’d never expected her first time to be in the luxury apartment of an Arabian Sheik she’d met only a few weeks prior. Then again, she’d never imagined she’d be engaged to marry said Sheik.

Her day had shaped up to be full of unexpected surprises. But the biggest one was yet to come.

Chapter 13

Two days later, Janna had Hamal take her back to the dress shop. She’d originally picked out the traditional Arabic wedding kaftan, but it had been her second favorite. Now that she would marry Nassir, she wanted to switch to the American-style gown she loved. The seamstress assured her she could have the adjustments done in time for the wedding in two days.

She also stopped by the florist and the cake shop one last time, assuring everything was going as planned. Finally, she reached the palace again and strolled into the gardens to see that the groundskeeper had already begun setting up the red and purple tents that would house their guests during the reception. Different from what they used back in the States, but their burst of color suited the lush gardens. Satisfied with the progress, Janna wandered back toward the grand fountain then sat down on the bench to check her planner one last time.

The last two days had been a whirlwind. Between spending their nights at his luxury apartment then commuting back here during the days, she hadn’t gotten as much done as she would’ve liked. Other than making love in the evenings, she and Nassir had barely seen each other. She sighed. At least he’d managed time in his busy schedule to have lunch with her today before returning to his office. Oh, and their dance lesson. She’d been more relaxed, knowing she wouldn’t have to memorize the steps and teach them later to someone else.

Everything seemed to be falling into place. Everything except her family. Once she’d accepted Nassir’s proposal, she’d called her mother the following morning and told them the news. Nassir had offered to fly them all over for the wedding and cover all of their expenses as his personal guests, but Mom had turned her down.

She’d said her doctor wouldn’t allow her to travel due to an infection, which meant her siblings couldn’t come either, as they’d need to stay home to care for her. Getting married without her family present didn’t sit well with her, but she had no choice now, it seemed.

Janna finished running through her daily checklist then closed her planner. Eyes closed, she tipped her head back and allowed the sunshine to warm her face. It was lovely here and she hated to leave her quiet oasis, but duty called. With a sigh, she stood and headed back inside the palace. The only thing left to oversee was the actual placement of the flower arrangements and food tables on the day of the wedding.

Lost in thoughts, she went upstairs to her room and contemplated a nap. She’d just kicked off her shoes when someone knocked on her door. Thinking it was her maid, Hafa, Janna didn’t bother putting her shoes back on. The face on the other side of the door, however, didn’t belong to Hafa. “Hazim? What are you doing here?”

He stepped forward, his expression dark, his tone menacing. “You and Nassir think you are so smart. Taking what’s mine.”

“What are you talking about?” She took a step back into her room, her hand on the door. “If you need to speak with Nassir, he’s at his office.”

She started to close the door, but he blocked it with his arm. “No, you cannot get rid of me that easily. Control of Adjalane Oil should have been mine. Without his precious American bride, Nassir will have no choice but to marry Nehla.”

Janna tensed, but refused to be bullied. “That’s all fine and dandy, but I’m not going anywhere.”

“Yes, you are.” Hazim stepped forward and grabbed her arm. She struggled against him, but he was much stronger than he looked. “You will come with me now.”

“Like hell.” She kicked and shoved at him. “You won’t get away with this. Nassir is on his way…”

“We both know that Nassir is a workaholic and will no doubt remain at his office until late in the evening. By then, you will have disappeared. With the time constraints, he will have no choice but to acquiesce to my plans.”

Next thing she knew, Hazim had pulled both of her arms behind her back and duct taped her wrists together. Cursing, she tried to free herself but couldn’t. “How exactly do you plan to get me out of the palace without anyone seeing us? The place is teeming with servants.”

“Who said I’m taking you from the palace?” His smile was cold enough to freeze water. “You’ve put so much effort into this wedding, it would be a shame for you not to see it come to fruition.”

She started to scream, but he slapped a piece of tape over her mouth. Bound tight, she could only watch as Hazim strode to the closet and pulled out her suitcases then hastily stuffed her belongings inside. Once he’d emptied the bathroom of her toiletries as well, he gathered her planner and her purse and set it all by the suite door. He knocked her facedown onto the bed then whispered in her ear. “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Alone, Janna squirmed on the bed until got back to her feet, then searched for a way out of this situation. Her arms ached from the awkward position and her fingers were going numb from lack of blood supply. Panic set in, but she clamped a quick lid on it. Freaking out wouldn’t help anything now. She needed a plan. A way to communicate. Her gaze locked on the phone by the bedside table.

Janna rushed over to it and tried to grab the receiver with her tingling fingers, but it was no use.